Summer Programs 2018

Mostly Math: Putting the "M" in STEM

At the Annandale School, we don't waste your time. Our students come to our spring break and summer programs to learn how to do things right, and to have learning.

Our summer morning sessions are two weeks long and dedicated to more academic subjects--mostly in math, but we also offer a rigorous course in the design of tabletop games. Classes meet 9:00 am to 12:00 noon Monday-Friday. Tuition is $695.

For students preparing to take algebra I in the fall. Most students will be rising 7th, 8th, or 9th graders; other ages welcome.

Algebra is a crucial turning point in a student's math education. Before algebra, math was about manipulating numbers and performing correct calculations. In algebra, students take a giant leap into abstraction. Those students who make that leap most successfully are positioned to succeed in math well beyond algebra, in standardized tests, and in the studies of engineering and the physical and social sciences.

Pre-algebra helps students make that leap. We introduce the key abstractions of algebra by showing how those abstractions relate to things with which they are already familiar. Students begin by re-examining the basic rules and algorithms of arithmetic, learning how they are consequences of a small set of fundamental laws, known as the "field postulates" or "the properties of numbers." They then develop their understanding of these fundamental laws by studying problems and examples from science and economics.

While learning these abstractions, students practice techniques and habits for solving problems. We do not use the recipe-based approach to "problem solving," in which students are asked to memorize specific steps for each "type" of problem they encounter. Instead, we teach strategies students can use to break down and solve any type of problem, regardless of whether or not they have seen that type of problem before. This is a more effective approach to learning how to succeed on math tests. It is also how scientists, engineers, and economists actually solve problems.

Re-algebra

A Careful Re-examination of Algebra

For students preparing to take algebra II or precalculus in the fall, or for any student who wants a more solid math foundation before taking AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP Chemistry, AP Economics, or AP Statistics.

We don’t mean to be discouraging when we say “abandon hope.” Quite the opposite. The math student who has solid math foundations never thinks “I hope I got that problem right.” They know that every statement that they put down on their paper is mathematically correct.

Students in Re-algebra build upon and reinforce the principles of mathematical reasoning that they learned in algebra. Students briefly review the structure of algebra as an axiomatic system. Then they practice rigorous reasoning and mathematical problem-solving skills using problems and examples drawn from physics, engineering, chemistry and economics.

Calculus Zero

A Gentle Introduction to Hard Math

For any student who has completed algebra I and is confident in their algebra skills (see "abandon hope", above).

A gentle introduction to the mathematical language of engineering and the physical and social sciences. Of interest to those planning to take AP or college-level calculus, physics, economics, or other mathematically intensive courses in the fall; for students who want to get a head start on the concepts of calculus; or for students who have taken calculus and want to better understand how the subject is used by engineers, physical scientists and social scientists.

This course differs from a standard calculus course, which approaches the subject from a very abstract and proof-heavy direction. At the Annandale School, we love a rigorous, abstract approach as much as anyone. But while anyone who wants to understand calculus should eventually take such a course, it is not necessarily the easiest entry into the subject.

In fact, the standard treatment of calculus, based on epsilon-delta proofs and the concept of limits, is not how physicists, engineers and the like actually understand and use calculus. Much more important to understanding how calculus is used in everyday scientific work is the concept of the differential, a concept that tends to get short shrift in calculus courses taught by mathematicians.

Our Calculus Zero class gives a gentle introduction to the two key concepts of calculus, the integral and the derivative. Students study examples and problems drawn from physics, engineering and economics. Students explore the ways that scientists and engineers use visualization and numerical modeling to understand the relationships that are described by calculus.

Introduction to Game Design

Games are serious fun. In this course students will play games, analyze games, and design games as they explore the fundamental characteristics of structure, complexity, player interaction, balance, luck, skill, player experience, and game superstructure. The course will focus predominantly on table top games, although video games will be discussed. The course draws on the work of game designers like Richard Garfield, designer of Magic: The Gathering. Students will be encouraged to play games and research games outside of class.

Afternoon Sessions

Middle School Math Workshop

For middle school kids who are interested in math competitions, want to excel on high school entrance exams, or who simply want to be better problem solvers. Students learn how to solve problems that they have never seen before.

Introduction to Electronics

For students who have completed algebra. A hands-on workshop exploring the basic principles of analog electronics. During the first week, students will discover basic concepts like charge, voltage, current and resistance by exploring passive circuits. During the second week they will learn about amplification and feedback using transistors and operational amplifiers.

The class will be accessible to students who have completed algebra 1. Some concepts from calculus will be introduced.

The Math of Magic: The Gathering

For kids 10 years old and up who play Magic: The Gathering or who want to learn how.

Magic: The Gathering is a powerful educational tool wrapped up as an insanely fun game. Magic can improve reading comprehension and vocabulary, sharpen strategic thinking skills, and provide hands on experience with advanced mathematical concepts like optimization and combinatorics, as well as building friendships and community.

In this class we will introduce students to the math of all three layers of Magic: playing the game, designing and building decks, and understanding the meta-game. Students will have the opportunity to build decks for casual play which they will be able to keep at the end of the course.

Geometry Prep

Open to students who have completed Algebra I. Geometry is different from algebra, both more concrete, with emphasis on drawing and visualization, and more abstract, with an emphasis on logic and the introduction of formal proofs. In this one week introduction to geometry we focus on what makes different from algebra – the proofs and the pictures – as well as how to think about and solve geometry problems.

Microscope Lab

In this course, we explore the enormous world of tiny things. We will look at living organisms, cells, rocks and minerals, and test the waters of forensic microscopy. Students will gain a greater understanding of the complexity and wonder of the world around them and a greater ability to design and carry out their own investigations and scientific projects in the microscopic world.

Introduction to Engineering Drawing

Engineers, architects, and all people who make things need the skill to communicate their designs clearly and accurately. Students in Engineering Drawing will learn how to make accurate orthographic 3-view technical drawings using traditional hand techniques (pencils, T-squares, triangles and scales).

This class complements our class in Perspective Drawing. Students may take either class independently, or they may take both classes in sequence.

Perspective Drawing

Engineers, architects, and all people who make things need the skill to communicate their designs clearly and accurately. This class introduces the basic techniques of accurate pictorial drawing—in particular, isometric projection and linear perspective. Drawing will be done on paper, with pencil and drawing tools.

This class complements our class in Engineering Drawing. Students may take either class independently, or they may take both classes in sequence.